Moro Islamic Liberation Front

Quick Facts: Who was Moro Islamic Liberation Front?

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Moro Islamic Liberation Front

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Islamist militant group in Mindanao seeking autonomy for the Moro people.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF; Arabic: جبهة تحرير مورو الإسلامية, romanized: Jabhat Taḥrīr Moro al-ʾIslāmiyya) is an Islamist militant group based in Mindanao, Philippines, which split from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1977. It seeks to achieve autonomy for the Moro people from the central government. The group has a presence in the Bangsamoro region of Mindanao, the Sulu Archipelago, Palawan, Basilan, and other neighbouring islands. The armed wing of the group was the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), although the name of its parent organization, the MILF, was often used to refer to the BIAF. In July 2018, the Philippine government passed the Bangsamoro Organic Law, giving more autonomy to Muslims.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In return, MILF announced that it would disarm its 30,000 fighters. Following the Jabidah massacre in 1968, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) was established clandestinely in 1969 by Moro students studying at the University of the Philippines, Egypt, and in the Middle East who sought to create an independent Muslim nation in southern Philippines. The MNLF gained foreign support from Muammar Gaddafi of Libya, which supplied arms and provided training for Moro youths. The MNLF took part in violent acts and assassinations to achieve their goals. The government in Manila sent troops into the southern Philippines to control the insurgency.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1976, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi brokered a negotiation between the Philippine government and MNLF Leader Nur Misuari which led to the signing of the MNLF-GRPH Tripoli Agreement of 1976 wherein the MNLF accepted the Philippine government's offer of semi-autonomy of the regions in dispute. The signing of this agreement brought about a serious rift in MNLF leadership, leading to the formation of a breakaway group in 1977 by Hashim Salamat and 57 MNLF officers. The group was initially known as "The New Leadership". Misuari expelled Salamat in December 1977, after which Salamat moved his new organization first to Cairo, Egypt, and then, in 1980, to Lahore, Pakistan, where it engaged in diplomatic activities. This organization was formally established in 1984 as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1968: 1968 Milestone — Following the Jabidah massacre in 1968, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) was established clandestinely in 1969 by Moro students studying at the University of the Philippines, Egypt, and in the Middle East who sought to create an independent Muslim nation in southern Philippines.
2. 1976: 1976 Milestone — In 1976, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi brokered a negotiation between the Philippine government and MNLF Leader Nur Misuari which led to the signing of the MNLF-GRPH Tripoli Agreement of 1976 wherein the MNLF accepted the Philippine government's offer of semi-autonomy of the regions in dispute.
3. 1977: 1977 Milestone — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF; Arabic: جبهة تحرير مورو الإسلامية, romanized: Jabhat Taḥrīr Moro al-ʾIslāmiyya) is an Islamist militant group based in Mindanao, Philippines, which split from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1977.
4. 1984: 1984 Milestone — This organization was formally established in 1984 as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
5. 2018: 2018 Milestone — In July 2018, the Philippine government passed the Bangsamoro Organic Law, giving more autonomy to Muslims.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Moro Islamic Liberation Front

True or False: “The MILF initially sought full independence for the Moro people from the Philippine government.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While early goals were highly autonomous, by 2011, the MILF withdrew its demands for outright independence and instead advocated for substate status.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Moro Islamic Liberation Front